WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU’RE SO SPECIAL? HUH?
The key to recruiting talent is selling your community, not the benes.
How do you attract top talent if you’re not a big, fancy city? Let’s dive in:
1. SHARE WHAT MAKES YOUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE
It sounds straightforward but it’s often overlooked! What does your community bring to the table that they can’t find elsewhere? Are there affordable homes available and good schools? Does it offer superior recreation and events? Whatever it is, lead with it in your conversations with a prospecting executive.
2. APPEAL TO THE FRUSTRATIONS OF THEIR CURRENT LOCATION
You don’t have to play dirty, but if you’re trying to attract talent from a larger city to a smaller town, it’s okay to speak to the frustrations they might be feeling. It could be something as simple as highlighting more affordable home pricing or less traffic congestion compared to their current home. By bringing their issues to the surface, you can pitch your community’s advantages.
3. INVITE THE ENTIRE FAMILY
When you hire someone new, you don’t just hire them, you’re relocating and integrating their family into your community. That’s why when addressing a prospecting executive, speak to the reasons their whole family would enjoy living and working here. Express an interest in their life outside the office and show them it’s important to you. And if you end up inviting them to an interview, make sure you encourage the whole family to check out the area.
4. BUT THE BENES DON’T HURT
You’ll still need to be competitive when it comes to salary and benefits. With younger generations taking on higher-level positions, consider what type of training opportunities, PTO and flexible schedules you can offer. Another bene to throw on the table, is they’ll be working with a great team!
Maybe this sounds like an oversimplification of tactics, but they’re tactics that are oftentimes ignored. Workforce dynamics are changing and employees are focused on their quality of life now more than ever. Access to recreational activities, good schools, affordable homes and more will make or break a decision to be a part of your team.
